Bridging the Gap in Psychological Support: Self Implemented Traditional Therapy Vs. AI-Based Therapeutic Chatbots
摘要
The global need for mental health services has greatly increased, surpassing the capacity of existing mental health care systems. Consequently, gaps in care are challenging to address without external support. Patients often experience little to no assistance between therapy sessions, potentially hindering recovery or, in the worst case, undermining the effectiveness of therapy entirely. This study explores how AI-powered therapeutic chatbots can address these challenges by providing continuous and accessible support. Our comparative study examines face-to-face therapy alone versus therapy supplemented with chatbot assistance. Results indicate that chatbots enhance perceived support, improve adherence to treatment, and significantly reduce self-reported symptoms. This evidence underscores the role of AI in enhancing psychological and therapeutic interventions.